EPCs - what is really happening?

Well todays day time TV has provided a further jolt to the world of lettings however we want to do some myth busting for you so you do not jump in and fit biomass heating systems.

What they said on TV:

EPCs will need to be graded as C by 31st December 2025 and ALL rentals will need to be grade C or above by 2028.

What is actually happening: 

This was a proposal ONLY made by the government. The whole situation is still in consultation and the energy assessors on the panel are completely against this course of action.

The assessors all agree that the EPC levels should increase however, not in such a short term. 

They have told the government that these changes should not be fully implemented until 2030 at the earliest, and it appears to them that the government is now agreeing with this timescale.

Consultation is expected to be complete by 28th February 2025 at which point we will contact our local assessor (who is part of this consultation) to find out what has and has not been agreed.

Further interesting information received today:

You will still be able to get an exemption certificate on older buildings. - This is available from the local authority after providing evidence to show that nothing further can be done to the premises to increase it’s energy efficiency. This means that flats in converted buildings, listed properties and the beautiful older villages that we love will be able to continue to be rented.

There will be costs - an EPC cost will be increasing. At the moment, as you know know, we can get these completed for £75 however the cost is likely to double due to the amount of information that will now need to be on the report as the matrix for deciding ratings will be changing too.

Even if there are things that can be done to the property before applying for the exemption there will be a cap on required spending to obtain the relevant documents.

Please do not panic, we are on it as best we can be and will have conversations with our clients regarding their rentals in the near future.

If you are not a Spotlight client then we would be happy to have a conversation with you about what we can do service wise to assist with your property(s) 

Have a great weekend and let us know if you have any questions.